The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-08-06

perfect GOODNESS every now and then. Her
smooth, fat forehead was broken by per-
pendicular frown in the centre, and the
disgust with everything about her. Itwas
not surprising that my companions look
should have been arrested by so much life
breathing beauty, rendered piquant by such
an unusual series of decoration.
II am spared" said I, laying my hand
on his arm, "a description of the woman
who is responsible for my being what am;
she sits there before you. l do not know
why it is; never speak of my own affairs
to any one, but tonight l must unbosom
myself to somebody, and in you recognize
a loyal person, who will hear and not be-
tray. trust to the honor l read in your
face. You must know then that yonder
sits Cornelia van Ruyven, an extraordinary
character you may think | am
biased and, unhappy for every one, a
great hciress. You are naturally astonish-
ed at the style of dress she assumes, but
you must at least acknowledge that, bizarre
and dowager-ike though it be, she carries
it perfectly. You see she's human being,
not mere pasteboard shadow like so many
2bout here. But there | must not be
bitter, too.
"Well, was always in love with that
girl although her insolence made me quarrel
with her at first introduction. But don't
suppose that made break between us.
Far from it. She liked me for it at once,
and the more bullied her the meekcr she
would get. But then you know in this
world everything comes to an end, and
quarreling cannot be kept up between two
young people forever. All, yes! If it is
only for the sake of change, they will oc-
casionally alter their ways-go to the other
extreme, in fact. Look at her now how
she treats that young fellow"
A young man, hardly more than boy,
had aome up with the Juvenile assurance of
his ! Il and asked for dance. We could
see GsrGelia turn her face up toward him
and raise her eyelids with slow motion
almost terrible-such an impertinent frozen
face it was We could see him getting
red and lingering his hat nervously and
finally break away and retreat completely
Il uC COIuCIS vi OOTuCll1
relapsed into glimmer of smile as she
beckoned 10 gentleman who was obsequi-
ously holding her bouquet and making him
self agreeable to mamma. The latter was
well preserved and pretty lady whose face
was full of hard lines gained in all sorts of
struggles, whose eyes mustered every one
who approached with the dreamy, far-off
look of the granter of letters of credit when
some merchant come into his office to buy
his paper. Is he not hurt in that recent
speculation Dare l give him the use of
my name on bill of exchange? The good
lady had little idea that one could read
questions like those in the sharp glance
over her well-fed smile.
Presently, while Cornelia gave some Or
ders about her numerous flowers, young
man with more than usually vacant coun-
tenance lounged up, and Mrs. van Ruyvens
hearty welcome returned apatronizing nod.
We could see that he, too, asked Cornelia
foF dance, but instead of hurting him, as
she had the other, she rose all sweetness
and loveliness and allowed herself to be
carried away.
HYou see she does make exceptions"
said my friend, not without glitter of en-
joyment at what he very naturally expected
would discomfort me.
"His fate is only worse" said 1. sit
would have been no use to snub him, for
he would not have felt it. Such men must
be handled carefully until the time comes
and the dullest must see. Then he will be
crushed. Besides, don't you see that
mamma must be humored sometimes? The
young man-who is by no means bad sort
of fellow, assure you-is one of the best
uncaught bridegrooms going. All! here
they come. Now, isn't she too bewilder-
ingly lovely?"
l was sorry for my folly as soon as 1 had
said enthusiasm is infectious it
was too late; had gone to far, and after
all might as well have the enjoyment of
expressing my fondness aloud. Cornclia
came sweeping slowly 4p the arm of her
partner, both Of ~ Z Aerfect dancers
and used to eacS %ssS p since child
hood. Thes I'D his Mad high, with
a countens s5peaking his own content.
"Behold e Said the face, ''rich, courted,
goodl@ >zg, and in my arms the loveliest
ricsL Lsmost capricious girl here. 1 have
on % ask and sFR,is minel"
On the other hand the girls face said:
"You are all pack of fools, but at least 1
shall get some enjoyment out of you. This
is perfect dancer; every woman is envying
me him, either for his good looks or hi
wealth, and, best of all, l am allowing r
to suppose that he can marry me whe q
will So much pleasure shall haze"
And so they rustled airily by. ~
"She is a woman worth fightl suSslr,"
said my-comrade, the veins on hila = lies
swelsng and his jaw squaring in epootna-
tion of a contest. ID
$50 Thought, said I drearily. en-
l used to know her well there weh 'sV0i irs
when we sat concocting the most 'ul
schemes of adventure and bloodshedA,n oh
er violent contrast, it seemed to me- O.
times, to the actual routine business ,S"k
to which I was condemned! But Y 1T
would you have? The war was over aI,aI
could not nerve myself to go off and [ a
pirate on the chance that Cornelia wo. =
be true If there had been war, ant
not killed, who knows what we would be |
each other now?'' ,oI
My comrade turned his eyes on me with
a strange look that l did not misinterpret.
Beware 1 cried, 81 see by your face
that she has fascinated you, too You look
at me with something hostile in your eyes,
as if you vaguely thought of disputin~ : n
with me. Remember that have not the
slightest hold on her-words being moth
ingl-and that you are free to try Any
thing I can do to assist you shall be 10y
ally at your service
Marston turned very red and hung down
his face, SO that reeded nothing to con-
vince me that hit Alright. It was MY
turn to grasp h. d.
"You must heA out now, and do not
let your Imagination IN away with you"
"Excuse me" said he, laying his hand